Gladiolus Care

Once the gladiolus has begun to grow and produce those beautiful flowers that everybody just loves it is time to take care of the plant. Most plants take some kind of work during the growth period or at least during a bloom period but as you soon will find out there are not many things to care for when it comes to the gladiolus, it will seem as though it practically took care of itself. Continue to read if you want to learn more about how to care for your gladioluses and get the most out of this very self-sufficient bloomer.

Gladiolus Care - Autonomous

The thing about the gladiolus, bulb and everything, is that it does not need any babysitting. Actually it does not need anything at all since it more or less is totally independent when it comes to sun, water and nutrition. You can give the gladiolus some liquid fertilizer mixed with water during the summer but it is really not necessary unless the gladiolus seems kind of weak. There is although another issue that might be a problem and that is that a fully grown gladiolus can be rather sensitive to strong winds and it would be a shame to find the stems broken in half. If the gladioluses are not planted in a sheltered position it would be a good idea to support them with something, just in case.

Gladiolus Care - Winterization

For those living in a temperate climate where the temperature tends to drop below freezing during the winter there is another serious problem, the gladiolus will not survive. Not if the bulbs are prepared for winterization that is. The main idea of winterization is that the rests of the plants are cut down in the autumn and the gladiolus bulbs are dug up. The bulbs are then washed with water and dried carefully so no loose dirt is left on them, that is so there are no diseases that tags along during the winterization. Then the bulbs are put to rest in a dark and very cool space, a few degrees above freezing is optimal. The bulbs will then believe that they are still underground and rest instead of freezing to death or grow. If all works out right, the gladiolus bulbs can then be replanted when the spring arrives.

Gladiolus Care - Thrips

A very common problem with gladioluses is thrips, which is a tiny insect that punctures a hole in the gladiolus and feeds on the contents that flow within. This seriously damages the gladioluses ability to grow strong and produce flowers, in other words it is a major problem for any serious gardener. Luckily a normal can of environmentally friendly insecticide is well than enough to get rid of this problem but remember that these small fiends can travel miles just by following the wind so an infestation can occur several days in a row but be new thrips every time. Just hang in there and your gladioluses will be safe in due time.